UST Operator Class A/B & C Training & Certification Courses

Do I need to take UST operator training?

The EPA has mandated that all UST Operators in all states were to be trained by October 13, 2018. Now, new Class A and Class B UST operators must complete training within 30 days of assuming duties. Class C operators must be trained before assuming duties. Note: States may require additional requirements and mandatory certification earlier – choose state. If you work at a facility (gas station, convenience store, etc.) with an underground storage tank, you will need to take UST operator training based on your job responsibilities.

Class A/B: If you own or manage a facility with an underground storage tank and are responsible for federal and state compliance for the tank, you will need to take Class A/B operator training.

Class C: If you work at a facility with an underground storage tank and may need to handle emergencies that may happen on site (such as spills, leaks, overflows or fires), you will need to take Class C operator training.

What must UST training cover?

According to EPA’s guidelines, states must identify three classes of operators and minimum requirements for each class. The three operator classes and objectives of training described below are based on EPA’s guidelines. Owners and operators should determine state-specific operator class descriptions and applicable training requirements. If you work at a facility (gas station, convenience store, etc.) with an underground storage tank, you will need to take UST operator training based on your job responsibilities.

Class A training is required for person(s) having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems (owner or operator of a UST facility).

Class C training is required for daily on-site employees having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from a UST system.

Why was the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program implemented?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are approximately 571,000 underground storage tanks (USTs) nationwide that store petroleum or hazardous substances. The greatest potential threat from a leaking UST is contamination of groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. EPA, states, and tribes work together to protect the environment and human health from potential UST releases. The underground storage tank program is primarily implemented by states and territories. Your first point of contact is the state or territorial regulatory agency that has jurisdiction where the USTs are physically located. See state and territorial UST program offices for a list of contacts.